Nature 450

08/02/2023

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08/02/2023

The tradition of seva and Sikhs' acceptance and welcoming of people regardless of their faith or creed, is testament to their generosity – and of the city that grounds this sentiment in the most exemplary way. In Amritsar, no matter how bleak and dark things may seem, a spirit of kindness, love and generosity seems to always prevail.

08/02/2023

And that is why it is even more admirable that a community that has suffered so many collective traumas is still so giving and accepting of all. According to Khanna, these traits are an integral part of being Sikh. "Guru Nanak (the founder of Sikhism) made seva the song of the Sikhs… Sikhs just choose to make selflessness a big part of their lives, inspired by their gurus' words and deeds."

07/31/2023

Not for the first time in recent years, overtourism has drawn the ire of locals living in the fortified Adriatic city, and the currents that swirl below the surface have led the Dubrovik Tourist Office to take action. Releasing a guidance video and updated advice on appropriate visitor etiquette earlier this month, the city now recommends visitors not disturb the historic cobbled streets by carrying – not dragging – wheeled baggage around.

07/29/2023

Meanwhile, Gen Z dancers Kadek Dwi Martini and Ni Kadek Virna Erikayani, who performed a dance from the 1920s called the Cendrawasih (Birds of Paradise), are using the NFT to raise funds for The Art House in Sebali Village that preserves and develops traditional Balinese culture. The dancers, who were filmed on one of the country's black volcanic beaches and the Unesco World Heritage site of Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Bali, are sharply aware that if they don't act, they might be one of the few that specialise in this traditional dance in the future.

07/27/2023

07/27/2023

With nearly 1.5 billion people and 330 million Hindu deities, India has no shortage of religious festivals and performances. Yet one of the most ancient and mesmerising is theyyam, which takes place in the southern state of Kerala and parts of neighbouring Karnataka. Meaning "God" or the "incarnation of God", theyyam is an ancient folk ritual combining theatre, mime and worship that predates Hinduism but incorporates Hindu mythology. It harks back to a time when tribal animism reigned supreme and culminates when performers (kolams) adorned with brightly coloured paste and elaborate headdresses dance themselves into a trance-like state as they seek to become the gods they portray.

07/25/2023

When I visited the site, I met Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, a Belgian professional photographer who lives in Iceland, at the edge of the lava field. He has been documenting the eruptions since the first Fagradalsfjall eruption in March 2021. He told me that visiting volcanic eruptions is always very special, and this year is no exception. "Seeing a new landscape being created in front of your eyes is a privilege granted to very few people," he said. "I am very happy that the eruption has happened in the most photogenic location in the area, with the picturesque pointed Keilir peak as a backdrop. Although the distance to get there is longer than in previous years and the hike is arduous, it's well worth it when you arrive."